Thursday, October 1, 2026
Richard Kessel, chairman of the Nassau Interim Finance Authority, was tapped to be the next chairman of the Nassau Health Care Corporation, the public benefit corporation that oversees Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow and the A. Holly Patterson Extended Care Facility in Uniondale.
A regional leader for decades, Kessel, of Merrick, is known for his expertise on energy and consumer issues and has an extensive background in public service. He previously served as chairman of the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency and as chief executive officer of the New York Power Authority. Kessel, 76, holds a bachelor's degree from New York University and a master's degree from Columbia University.
“Richard Kessel brings decades of leadership experience in government, public policy and complex organizations,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said of the appointment in a statement emailed to the Herald. “His proven record of public service, commitment to Long Island and ability to navigate challenging issues make him exceptionally well-suited to lead the board as NHCC continues its mission of providing high-quality care to the communities we serve.”
Kessel's appointment to the NHCC board means he will step down from NIFA. His position there will be filled by Moshin Meghji, a current NIFA board member.
The Nassau Interim Finance Authority, another public benefit corporation, has certain powers to monitor and oversee Nassau County's finances. It assumed direct financial oversight of NUMC in 2020, a move that was met with heavy opposition from previous hospital leadership. As part of the state's takeover last year, it was mandated that NHCC conduct a comprehensive study outlining the long-term viability of NUMC. The study is to be submitted to NIFA by Dec. 1.
The NHCC chairman position has been vacant since March, when former chairman Stuart Rabinowitz stepped down. Rabinowitz had served in the role since June 2025, after being appointed by Hochul when state officials assumed leadership of the public hospital and its governing body.
Rabinowitz's departure came during a turbulent period for NUMC. Following a public battle between the hospital's former leadership and the state, New York assumed oversight of the hospital under provisions included in the 2025-26 state budget. The board was restructured to include 11 members, most of whom were appointed by Hochul.
When Rabinowitz stepped down, Hochul thanked him for his service, saying he “stepped up when Nassau University Medical Center desperately needed steady, serious leadership.” She added that “his focus on accountability and fiscal management has helped put this critical safety-net hospital on the road to recovery.”
More to follow.
